Australia and the UK have agreed to put in place new arrangements under the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program and Youth Mobility Scheme following entry into force of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (Australia-UK FTA)
Commencement of new arrangements:
Under the new arrangements:
· from 1 July 2023, UK passport holders can apply for a Working Holiday visa between the ages of 18 and 35 years inclusive
· from 1 July 2024, UK passport holders can be granted up to three separate Working Holiday visas without having to meet any specified work requirements.
The new arrangements will apply to all Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa applications for UK passport holders lodged from the date of implementation.
Increased eligible age range for UK applicants
The eligible age for UK applicants for Working Holiday (subclass 417) visas is currently 18 to 30 years inclusive.
From 1 July 2023, the upper limit will increase to 35 years. From this date, UK passport holders can lodge an application for any Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa until midnight (Australian Eastern Standard Time) on the day before their 36th birthday.
Removal of ‘specified work’ requirements.
To be eligible for a second or third Working Holiday visa applicants currently must show that they have done at least three or six months of ‘specified work’.
From 1 July 2024, UK passport holders will not have to meet this requirement when applying for a second or third Working Holiday visa on or after this date.
Maximum stay of three years
Working Holiday visa holders can currently stay three years in Australia. This stay consists of three separate visas granted for 12 months each. This excludes any ‘COVID-19 affected visa’ granted at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. These arrangements will not change.
From 1 July 2024, UK passport holders, including those already granted a subclass 417 visa, who are eligible to apply for a second or third Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa, will not have to meet any specified work requirements when applying for a second and third visa.
UK passport holders can choose to apply for a first, second and third Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa at any time while they still meet the eligible age requirement. They do not need to stay in Australia for three years in a row. Applicants can lodge applications for second and third Working Holiday (subclass 417) visas in or outside Australia.
If a UK passport holder has already spent one or two years in Australia on a Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa before the new arrangements commence, they can apply for the remaining visa(s) under the new arrangements from 1 July 2024. This will enable access to the maximum of three years in Australia.
It’s important to note that immigration regulations can change over time, so it’s always best to consult with an Immigration Lawyer or a registered migration agent for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements and exemptions. Please call our office on 02 9286 8700 or email: ppmail@ppilaw.com.au
Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers is here to assist if you wish to move to Australia as a skilled worker and require professional advice.
Book a Consultation for Expert Advice on subclass 417 Visa.
Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/whm-program/latest-news
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